- Joined
- Aug 25, 2011
- Messages
- 1,332
I agree 100% with your entire post.
a couple of things...
1.) we know how to blow up bridges, it seems what we have to improve is US military's poor performance at recognizing and reacting to cultural differences in both our adversaries and our coalition partners. This has been a bigger hurdle. Common sense says this is why we need MORE liberal arts majors in the ARMY. The Army Mission...is that the SAME as the AF or Navy mission?
2.) There needs to be a subjective part. If you are being treated unfairly you will need to learn (for the rest of your like) how to turn it around or wade through it. Luckily the cadre changes frequently so there is always a second chance for a new first impression. but if you are ranked low wherever you go....that's a problem.
That's all fine and dandy but if that were the case we would need to cut out GPA in the OML process. You can give anecdotes about how being a General Studies or International Relations major makes you better able to converse with those with cultural differences till the cows come home but that does not matter in grand scheme of major selection. STEM majors will always be in demand within the military and out in the civilian world. I think evidence of a poly sci major being better at cultural competency than a bio-engineering major simply because of a few years of courses is SHODDY at best. These interactions mostly come down to a person's life experience and personality more than anything. I deal with combative people, drunks, druggies and every culture under the sun in the healthcare setting. Would a sociology degree help me deal with these people more than my nursing with religion minor degree? Very very doubtful, it's all about experience. At CTLT we had a PL who was working on his physics masters/PhD in a very combat oriented unit. He was a great leader, in tip top physical condition and of course smart as a whip. Would a criminal justice degree have served him better?
I agree the Army needs a good blend of majors but to determine that the Army needs MORE LA majors than it already has is laughable.
Sorry I worked with too many cadets trying to game the system (by majoring in the easiest major possible) to not have an opinion on this.